A general laugh greeted this, and Mr. Dalken retorted:
“I hadn’t even dreamed of such a possibility, but now that you plainly show me how you have been hoping I would propose to you, I may as well take my medicine like a man!”
“Me—you—propose! What are you talking of?” cried Polly, aghast.
Everyone laughed teasingly, but Eleanor explained quickly. “He misunderstood your reason for worrying, Polly. Just like a man—they think one is always thinking of marriage, even when there are great charities being perfected.”
Mr. Dalken now showed his surprise, and asked what really was the cause of Polly’s anxiety.
“Oh, you’ll see some day. We can’t tell you now!” laughed Eleanor.
“Then I may as well confess to you-all and tell you what my surprise is.
“I finished my business in Chicago much sooner than I had hoped for, and went on to Pebbly Pit to see how things were progressing. I had a delightful visit at the ranch, and am able to say that work has reached the point, now, where the mining machines will start working next week, unless snow stops everything.”
“Oh, then you saw father and mother!” cried Polly, eagerly.
“Yes, and I have all sorts of good things for you from home. A jar of preserves, and a dozen or more of glasses filled with jelly and other delectable sweets that Sary insisted that I carry to you. I did my best to explain that it would be cheaper and safer if she sent them by express or parcel post—but no! She told me ‘A bird in th’ hand is wuth two er three in a bush.’”